04 Jun 2024

Just before break of dawn on Saturday, the atmosphere was lit with vibrant energy, as scores of walkers gathered at the entrance of Camel Ecotourism Park in Tsabong. They all had one thing in common - exploring the spectacular sand dunes in a walk dubbed ‘Walk on the Sand Dunes for the Camels’ organised by TSAMAMA Trust.

In the midst of the hikers and at the start point of the walking trail was the iconic figure, First Lady Neo Masisi. She looked resolute to undertake a 15 kilometers walk to explore the pristine Kalahari landscape. Along with over 500 walkers, her walk was not just for fun but purpose driven to raise funds for conservation of camels belonging to the communities of Tsabong, Maleshe and Maubelo.

They set off and returned at different time intervals to cheerful applause from community members and hikers alike. 

A South African national, Jabulani Lempe commonly referred as ‘Coach’ in the hiking circles was also seen prodding his walking stick towards the finish point hoisting his country flag high. 

He came with his team members from Mafikeng under the banner ‘Take a Hike Adventures’ to support TSAMAMA Trust. “We had fun, the event is an eye opener. Yesterday during dinner we saw cultural display, and this was refreshing as it was the first time to see the culture here,” he said.

For him, events such as this one are for adventure and networking, adding that he uses them to  enrich his knowledge about the world around him. 

“I managed to buy myself melon jam,” he said talking about the delicacy made from Tsamama melon. 

The wild melon is found in the bush and Lemepe said he didn’t know that it was edible.

“I have learnt that it is a wild melon eaten by wild animals and humans. It has some medicinal properties,” he said.

Highlighting the power of networking, he said they got to know about the event through founder of Desert Bush Walk Archibald Ngakaagae.

He said the event had generated interest in South Africa, given the number of people who wanted to embark in the adventure.

First time walker Boitshwarelo Magotlho from Werda said her  15 km walk alongside First Lady was a wonderful experience that she would forever cherish. 

She said having missed the first installment of the walk last year, she took it upon herself to buy the P250 ticket in advance to secure her participation.  “I cannot wait for next year,” she said.

Mamanke Letebele of Pretoria, South Africa, said they came as team of six hikers and campers from different places in South Africa such as Rustenburg, Potchefstroom and Mafikeng to support the walk as part of exploring their world. 

“We travel the world for camping and hiking. Besides adventure, the activities are  important for health,” she said. “There is something exciting about leaving the comfort of your house to walk on the sand dunes. We are also happy to have spotted and interacted with Camels on a first time experience, it was lovely,” she said.

Walk on the Sand Dunes for the Camels event coordinator, Mooketsi Rakose was impressed with the turn up of walkers at the event, 

“We had a substantial number of visitors from local hiking clubs, Lesotho, and South Africa. Our benchmarking trip in Lesotho early this year has helped us to network, the numbers have grown compared to last year,” he said.

The event, attracted more hikers, adding that they catered for everyone to make it an inclusive activity. 

This year they introduced the 7,5 kilometers fun walk which was free. “The route was interesting, hikers were happy for the challenge” he said.

The event was organised in partnership with Desert Bush Walk, Basadi Capital, Jwaneng Striders Club, DEBSWANA Jwaneng Mine, Tsabong Relive Fitness Club, Tsabong District Council, and Botswana Tourism Organisation.

He said some of the proceeds accrued from the inaugural fundraising event held last year were allocated to communities of Tsabong, Maleshe and Maubelo who make up the TSAMAMA Trust.  The Village Development Committees of the three villages were each given P10 000  while some of the funds were used to partly maintain the Camel farm. 

TSAMAMA Trust also took opportunity of the event to officially open their branded office which Ms Masisi as the patron, made sure it was equipped with furniture.  ENDS